An unlicensed trader from Sydenham who carried out electrical wiring work has been ordered to pay $13,350 in fines and costs by Parramatta Local Court.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said Bashar El Debel was convicted under the Home Building Act 1989 of two counts of unlicensed residential building work and two counts of falsely representing that he held an appropriate licence.

Ms Judge said he was also found guilty of operating with an unregistered business name.

“Mr El Debel’s behaviour could have easily ended in tragedy,” Ms Judge said.

“Electrical work is extremely hazardous and when it is carried out by an unlicensed person it poses a serious safety risk.

“Between August 2007 and June 2009 Mr El Debel carried out unlicensed electrical wiring work on duplexes at Dundas.

“He also failed to lawfully complete two certificates of compliance which confirm that electrical wiring work has been tested and has complied with the safety requirements under the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules.

“Mr El Debel knowingly identified a tradesman, unlicensed at the time of the certficate’s completion, as the person who had carried out the electrical testing.”

In NSW, any person who carries out residential building work worth more than $1,000 in labour and materials must have a licence.

For specialist work, such as plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and refrigeration there is no threshold for labour and materials.

“It is always important to always check a trader’s licence before committing to a residential building contract,” Ms Judge said.

“You can avoid a lot of financial and emotional pain by carrying out a simple licence check online or by calling 13 32 20.

“I would also encourage you to ask for identification, such as a driver’s licence, and a list of references so you can verify the trader is legitimate.

“If you have any concerns about a trader I urge you to contact Fair Trading immediately.”

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